Aichi-Nagoya Hands the Asian Games Flag to Doha: What the 2030 Handover Means for Malaysia

The 20th Asian Games are over. The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, 4 October, at Paloma Mizuho Stadium (Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium) in Nagoya. Malaysia's contingent marched in the athletes' parade after one of the best campaigns in the country's Asian Games history.

The ceremony also looked ahead. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag was handed to Doha, Qatar, which hosts the next edition in 2030.

A 90-minute farewell in Nagoya

Indian media described a 90-minute ceremony with a hexagonal stage decorated with lanterns to represent a "One Asia" idea. It included a cultural segment, traditional bon-odori dancing, a laser show and a highlight reel of the Games.

For the handover, Qatar's Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Barshim received the OCA flag. Equestrian rider Jassim Al Kuwari then carried it on horseback, part of a segment built around the Arabic phrase "Al Makan Makanukum" ("This place is yours").

OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declared the Games closed. He said the Games were ending but Asian sport was raising the bar.

Malaysia's last day in Japan

Equestrian rider Shoorendran Nageswaran was Malaysia's last athlete in action. He rode in the jumping competition in Tokyo on Sunday morning, a few hours before the ceremony in Nagoya.

By then Malaysia's tally was final: 9 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze, 32 medals in all, for 11th place on the table. The nine golds equal the national record set at Guangzhou 2010.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the contingent on Facebook. "Thank you for giving your best and making Malaysians proud," he wrote, and urged the athletes to keep moving forward with confidence.

A Games remembered for more than the results

The Aichi-Nagoya Games were large: 469 gold-medal events across a record 43 sports. They were also criticised for how they were run.

There was no athletes' village. Competitors stayed in hotels, temporary units at Nagoya Port and a cruise ship. Transport mix-ups, a flag error at a medal ceremony and many empty seats drew complaints. Korean Sport and Olympic Committee president Ryu Seung-min said that if he were grading the organisers, "it would be an F".

There were standout performances too. Malay Mail, citing wire reports, said 50 world records were broken. China's 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi was named the Games MVP, and Thailand's Puripol Boonson won the 100m and 200m double.

What we know about Doha 2030

• Dates: Doha 2030 is scheduled for 4–19 November 2030. Al Jazeera reported that the OCA may push it back by a year.
• Second time as host: Doha also hosted in 2006, and plans to reuse venues from those Games and from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• Main stadium: Khalifa International Stadium is planned for athletics and the ceremonies.
• Back-to-back Gulf Games: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosts in 2034.

For Malaysian fans, Doha is only five hours behind Malaysia, so many events should be on at a convenient time. Many of the athletes who win medals there are probably juniors today.

The road from Nagoya

Doha is four years away, and Malaysia has events sooner than that. Nagoya hosts the Asian Para Games from 18 to 24 October. Malaysia also hosts the 2027 SEA Games, where the National Sports Council has already said it is chasing the overall title.

Key takeaways

• The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed on 4 October at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, and the OCA flag passed to Doha.
• Malaysia finished 11th with 9 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze, equalling its record gold haul.
• Doha 2030 is scheduled for 4–19 November 2030, though a one-year delay has been reported as possible.
• The Games set records but were heavily criticised over accommodation and transport.

FAQ

When and where are the next Asian Games? In Doha, Qatar. They are currently scheduled for 4–19 November 2030.

Who received the Asian Games flag for Doha? Qatar's Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Barshim received the OCA flag at the closing ceremony.

How did Malaysia finish at Aichi-Nagoya 2026? 11th overall with 32 medals: 9 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze.

Sources: Bernama, RTM, Malay Mail, Al Jazeera, Outlook India